IRRIGATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2856, 9 December 1908, Page 6

IRRIGATION.

In the course of the inquiry -which is, being mad© as to the adaptability for irrigation of certain large area? of land in Victoria the important point, and one which should not be lost sight of in NewZealand, has been elicited that irrigation to be profitable must be carried, out on compact suitable blocks rather Jian on large districts generally. This has been emphasised by Mr Edward Mead, the American expert, who is chairman of the. Water Supply Commission no.w pursuing the inquiry, and the primary intentions in regard to irrigation have consequently been materially modified. It will not be" necessary in any scheme • which may be adopted to provide for submerging at will tlie whole country side. This point should be kept before those who advocate the wholesale irrigation of certain districts in New Zealand. The artificial application of water will in many seasons not be required at all, and even in times of prolonged drought the produce of a comparatively small irrigated r>lot would provide food for the stock on a very large property. The land, in the first 'place, must be of suitable quality and adapted to the purpose — that is, with good natural drainage or easily provided with artificial drainage. The aspect should ha wa-rm, and preferably sheltered. The labour question will be very dmjJortant, as thorough and ' frequent cultivation of the irrigated! land will be essential, except in the case of pastures. Gardens and orchards should always be situated with due care to these considerations, and in their case water will *be required much mo*e frequently than on the farm, even though in the former the cultivation is more thorough and tlie moisture in the soil thus more effectively conserved. It- will be found that irrigated land requires special treatment, and frequently that the varieties of crops, plants, and trees usually grown in the district may become unsatisfactory under the influence of water. These are points which can only be decided by experiment, and one of the first steps which should be taken in any locality in which it is determined to introduce irrigation is to carry out the necessary experimental work. The work of organisation in promotion of irrigati<ssai in Central Otago should not be allowed to halt through the change in the Parliamentary representation of the district, and the Irrigation League should not only continue its demands for the necessary water supply, but also obtain the best information upon the^ points which have been mentioned. Ihe inspection of the district by the Government officials is about concluded, and the report should soon be available. It. is important, therefore, that the league should have 'in its possession information to support, or controvert the conclusions arrived at. j